André the Giant

  • Name: André the Giant
  • Date of Birth: May 19, 1946
  • Place of Birth: Grenoble, France
Mini-bio: Date of Death
27 January 1993, Paris, France (heart failure)

Birth Name
André René Roussimoff

Nickname
The 8th Wonder of the World
The Giant
The Gentle Giant

Height
7' (2.13 m)

Mini ...( read more)Biography

André René Roussimoff was born in a small farming community in Grenoble, France to Boris and Marian Rouismoff. His parents and four siblings were all of normal size, but André suffered from acromegaly, a hormonal disorder that results when the pituitary gland produces excess growth hormone. As the Giant grew up (very quickly, as he reached the height of 6' 3" by the age of 12) he began to often disagree with his parents. He left home at 14 and obtained a job with a furniture-moving firm and began to play rugby. At 17 he was seen training at a gym by several professional wrestlers. Impressed by his size, they taught him some basic wrestling skills and built a friendship with him. Later, when one of the wrestlers was injured, André stepped in for him. He would wrestle for nearly thirty more years. By his early 20s André had wrestled in Algeria, South Africa, Morocco, Tunisia, England, Scotland, and most of non-Communist Europe but had not found fame. In 1971 he came to North America under the name Jean Ferre and was mildly popular in Canada. Then he met a New York based booker by the name of Vincent J. McMahon (often incorrectly referred to as "Vince McMahon Sr") who renamed him "Andre the Giant," and billed him as 7' 4" (Andre was really closer to 7'). Soon Andre the Giant became a national sensation and was a much sought after wrestler. In addition he participated in television, movies, and commercials. With his wealth the Giant bought a ranch in Ellerbe, North Carolina where he would live during his rare time off and after he retired from wrestling in 1990. He died while in France after attending his father's funeral. André was cremated and his ashes were spread across his ranch. He is survived by his one daughter.
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Replace this image with an actor photoAndré the Giant mini-bio: Date of Death 27 January 1993, Paris, France (heart failure) Birth Name André René Roussimoff Nickname The 8th Wonder of the World The Giant The Gentle Giant Height 7' (2.13 m) Mini Biography André René Roussimoff was born in a small farming community in Grenoble, France to Boris and Marian Rouismoff. His parents and four siblings were all of normal size, but André suffered from acromegaly, a hormonal disorder that results when the pituitary gland produces excess growth hormone. As the Giant grew up (very quickly, as he reached the height of 6' 3" by the age of 12) he began to often disagree with his parents. He left home at 14 and obtained a job with a furniture-moving firm and began to play rugby. At 17 he was seen training at a gym by several professional wrestlers. Impressed by his size, they taught him some basic wrestling skills and built a friendship with him. Later, when one of the wrestlers was injured, André stepped in for him. He would wrestle for nearly thirty more years. By his early 20s André had wrestled in Algeria, South Africa, Morocco, Tunisia, England, Scotland, and most of non-Communist Europe but had not found fame. In 1971 he came to North America under the name Jean Ferre and was mildly popular in Canada. Then he met a New York based booker by the name of Vincent J. McMahon (often incorrectly referred to as "Vince McMahon Sr") who renamed him "Andre the Giant," and billed him as 7' 4" (Andre was really closer to 7'). Soon Andre the Giant became a national sensation and was a much sought after wrestler. In addition he participated in television, movies, and commercials. With his wealth the Giant bought a ranch in Ellerbe, North Carolina where he would live during his rare time off and after he retired from wrestling in 1990. He died while in France after attending his father's funeral. André was cremated and his ashes were spread across his ranch. He is survived by his one daughter.

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Last update: Sep 21 2008, 9:37 PM EDT by Raydarra (content history | content tools) (help)
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André the Giant Biography André the Giant Quotes André the Giant Best Movies and Characters

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  • gih3
    gih3
    Met Andre and Dusty in Atlanta.
    Very kind and impressive man.
    His ring fit over three of my fingers.
    posted 588 days ago
  • jesusfreakdw
    jesusfreakdw
    He is the best in Princess Bride love him. aaaaaaaaaahhhhhhh
    posted 645 days ago
  • RockStarGoddesss
    RockStarGoddesss
    I LOVED him in the Princess Bride, he just looks like a big teddy bear!! LOVE him!
    posted 697 days ago
  • daddyslittlegirl1969
    daddyslittlegirl1969
    wow ANDRE THE GIANT i have to admit he looks really weird but it was a great film and i asume he was alot better then the great khali is so i guess he was nice and stuff but i just loved the film!!!!!!!
    posted 801 days ago
  • NesianMainePurotu
    NesianMainePurotu
    My all time favourite wrestler.
    posted 821 days ago
  • cicalover
    cicalover
    great wrestaler and wonderful in princess bride
    posted 824 days ago
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